A Principal Submits… Observations from the Perfect Dysfunctional Storm – Point #7

The following is the last of a multi-point field report from a LYS Principal.

SC,A truly, student-centered principal who wants to improve instruction and learning must manage the following truth. Removing bad teachers in an acceptable school is a matter of constant visibility and broken record communication. This will likely wear out the weak teachers who will either improve or leave. Use growth plans and directives to address severe issues, such as no instruction. I have yet to find a teacher who will defend another teacher who refuses to teach at all. Teachers engaging in no instruction are easy targets with little repercussion for the principal. Removing them builds confidence and support among the teachers who do their jobs.

SC Response I learned early in my career that if you want to improve staff morale, remove the slackers on the campus (and yes, everyone knows who they are at every school). To not do so, makes a fool out of every teacher who is shouldering more than their fair share of the load. Your staff may not publically support you, but behind closed doors, everyone wants leadership to do their job and remove the people that make their jobs more difficult. Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…

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